Ocular rosacea is inflammation that causes redness, burning and itching of the eyes. It often develops in people who have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face. Sometimes ocular, or eye, rosacea is the first sign that you may later develop the facial type.

Ocular rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) primarily affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It seems to develop in people who tend to blush and flush easily.

Medications and a good eye-care routine can help control the signs and symptoms. But treatment doesn't cure ocular rosacea. It often recurs after an apparent remission.

Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea can precede the skin symptoms of rosacea, develop at the same time, develop later or occur on their own. Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea may include:

Dry eyes

Burning or stinging in the eyes

Itchy eyes

Grittiness or feeling of having a foreign body in the eye or eyes

Blurred vision

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Redness

Dilated small blood vessels on the white part of the eye that are visible when you look in a mirror

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment to see a doctor if you have signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea, such as dry eyes, burning or itchy eyes, redness, or blurred vision.

If you've been diagnosed with skin rosacea, ask your doctor whether you should undergo periodic eye exams to check for ocular rosacea.

The exact cause of ocular rosacea, like skin rosacea, is unknown. It may be due to one or more factors, including:

Heredity

Environmental factors

Bacterial involvement

Blocked glands in the eyelids

Eyelash mites

A number of factors can aggravate rosacea, so they can aggravate ocular rosacea, as well. Some of these factors include:

Hot or spicy foods or beverages

Alcohol

Sunlight, wind or temperature extremes

Certain emotions, such as stress, anger or embarrassment

Strenuous exercise

Hot baths or saunas

Some medications, such as cortisone creams and drugs that dilate blood vessels

Ocular rosacea is common in people with rosacea, although you can also have eye rosacea without the skin being involved. Skin rosacea affects more women than men, and ocular rosacea affects men and women equally. Some studies suggest that among people with rosacea, those who blush easily may be more likely to also develop eye symptoms.

Ocular rosacea may affect the surface of your eye (cornea), particularly when you have dry eyes from a deficiency of tears. Corneal complications can lead to visual symptoms. Inflammation of your eyelids (blepharitis) can cause secondary irritation of the cornea from misdirected eyelashes or other complications. Ultimately, corneal complications can lead to vision loss.

You're likely to first see your family doctor or primary care provider. You may be referred to an eye disease specialist (ophthalmologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

List any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

If you've received a diagnosis of rosacea, be prepared to discuss your treatment history.

List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.

Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.

List questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions for your doctor can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important. For ocular rosacea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What is likely causing my symptoms?

Do I need tests to confirm the diagnosis?

Is my condition temporary or chronic?

What is the best course of action?

What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?

I have other medical conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Do I need to follow any restrictions?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions that arise during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

When did you begin experiencing symptoms?

Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

How severe are your symptoms?

Have you noticed any changes in your skin, such as redness, bumps or flushing?

Have you noticed any changes in vision?

What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?

What, if anything, seems to trigger or worsen your symptoms?

No specific tests or procedures are used for diagnosing ocular rosacea. Instead, your doctor will likely make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, your medical history, and an examination of your eyes and eyelids, and the skin of your face.

Ocular rosacea can usually be controlled with medication and home eye care. But these steps don't cure the condition, which often remains chronic or recurs after an apparent remission.

Your doctor may prescribe temporary use of oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin and minocycline. For severe disease, you may need to take an antibiotic for a longer time.

You can help manage your ocular rosacea by following a good eye-care routine. Keep up this routine even when your condition clears up to help prevent flare-ups. These tips may help.

Keep your eyelids clean by gently washing them at least twice a day with warm water or a product your doctor recommends.

Avoid makeup if your eyes are inflamed. When you're able to wear makeup, choose types that are nonoily (noncomedogenic) and free of fragrance.

Prevent flare-ups by avoiding things that trigger or worsen your rosacea or ocular rosacea, if possible. Items that tend to dilate blood vessels in the face include hot, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

Rosacea. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/rosacea/signs-symptoms. Accessed April 2, 2015.

Webster GF. Rosacea. Medical Clinics of North America. 2009;93:1183.

Geerling G, et al. The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: Report of the subcommittee on management and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Investigations in Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2011;52:2050.

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